A study on the development of prefabricated modular data center construction
Date：2022-02-10 | Hits：1426
Study on the Development of Prefabricated Modular Data Center Construction
Agricultural Bank of China Data Center Wang Tao Chen Hao Yang
The rapid development of digital economy has put forward higher requirements for data centers in many aspects, and the modular design and construction of data centers can significantly improve the construction efficiency and expansion capability. At the same time, with the combination of artificial intelligence technology on the basis of modularization, data centers can easily achieve the development goals of capacity statistics, insertion and extraction changes, fast fault diagnosis, and energy consumption reduction, and achieve significant innovation in the later operation and maintenance management of the server room. In this paper, we discuss the construction path of prefabricated modular data center and try to propose the subsequent optimization direction in conjunction with the idea of prefabricated modularity.
In the information era, data centers, as the bearers of the digital economy, have a direct impact on the development of the data industry. Especially in the rapid development of the digital economy, the rapid development of online transactions has posed a great challenge to the scale estimation of large data centers, and at the same time, how to accelerate the construction of data center pipelines and shorten the construction cycle has become a challenge for the development of the data industry in the face of the huge and diverse data center construction demands. In order to solve the above problems, exploring the construction of prefabricated modular data centers is of great significance to the development of the data industry in the future. The prefabricated model can not only better meet the needs of various customers, provide more professional and convenient commissioning lines and more intelligent operation and maintenance methods, but also, through the introduction of a series of new technologies and concepts, will strongly promote the application of relevant technologies and standards in data centers and eventually form a new industrial model. The new industry model will be formed.
I. Background of Prefabricated Modular Data Center Development and Construction Ideas
From the development history of data centers, modular construction ideas have been widely used in the construction of industrial platforms in some complex environments, such as large oil and gas plants, substations, and marine industrial platforms, and integrated data cabinets built based on modular ideas are commonly used in military operations, conventions and exhibitions, and research on the development of prefabricated modular data center construction Abstract: The rapid development of digital economy has put forward higher requirements for data centers in many aspects. The rapid development of digital economy has put forward higher requirements for data centers in many aspects, and the modular design and construction of data centers can significantly improve the construction efficiency and expansion capability. At the same time, with the combination of artificial intelligence technology on the basis of modularization, data centers can easily achieve the development goals of capacity statistics, insertion and extraction changes, fast fault diagnosis, energy consumption reduction, etc., and achieve significant innovation in the later operation and maintenance management of the server room. In this paper, we discuss the construction path of prefabricated modular data center and try to propose the subsequent optimization direction in the context of prefabricated modularity. Keywords: prefabricated modularity; intelligent micro-module; energy saving and emission reduction; operation and maintenance management Scenarios that require mobile computing, such as natural surveys, can form a containerized data center by integrating power supply system, computing equipment, and temperature control equipment into an integrated cabinet. For example, the earliest integrated data cabinet was the Black Box developed by SUN Microsystems in 2006, which has the characteristics of portability and flexibility. In the military field, the U.S. Army developed the Electronic Modular Enclosure EME for ships and Dell launched the TMDC for air-droppable data centers. in the commercial field, Microsoft and Google used container modules to build their own large data centers as early as 2009, and China also received the TIER certification for containerized data centers from the global data center organization UPTIME in 2013. In 2013, China also received TIER certification for containerized data centers from UPTIME, a global data center organization, and is actively developing in the field of data center modularization.
1. Data Center Modular Architecture Design
Generally speaking, data centers have both real estate and IT attributes, and the traditional construction process is lengthy and costly, and the energy consumption and cost are higher after commissioning. For example, a large data center can be expanded in two or more phases during the development process as capacity requirements change, resulting in a multi-phase room pattern, or divided into commissioning and reserved areas based on the phase process. However, in the modular deployment model, systems such as ECC, diesel generation, and cooling stations can be deployed in separate building units, while modules such as UPS, IT equipment, air conditioning, power distribution, and fire protection can be centrally stacked and deployed in the main production area of the server room. In this mode, the prefabricated factory modules and on-site civil construction can be carried out simultaneously, and the modular units will be transported to the civil construction site after the completion of factory testing. In general, the prefabricated modular layout is not limited by the building form and the seismic performance of the server room is strong. The modular architecture of the data center is shown in Figure 1.
In the formation and installation process, modular units can be divided into two main types: integrated modules and functional modules. Among them, functional modules can be divided into IT modules, power supply modules, air conditioning modules, etc. The parameters of each functional module are designed according to the customer's requirements and can be delivered only after completion of strict standard adjustment and inspection. In addition, in the stacked layout, the data center can also design the placement and connection between modules according to actual needs. This modular approach not only makes the connection of lines and pipes much less difficult than non-modular, but also makes it easier to handle modular units during changes and expansions due to the uniformity of the interface. In addition, in order to continuously optimize the operation strategy and achieve fine control, the above modularity can be further enhanced to the micro-module level, i.e., the modularization of components. For example, whether it is an integrated cabinet or a dedicated functional area for lithium battery, UPS, temperature control, busbar access, etc., by streamlining the volume of each functional module, the large functional module can be composed of such small modules, truly standardized "plug-and-play". At the same time, functional micro-modules can also support independent power supply, energy storage or temperature control, thus achieving redundant operation and reliable operation and maintenance. In addition, some high-end equipment can be further modularized to devices, such as switches, circuit breakers, fans and other modules can also be redundantly arranged in the form of "plug and play". 2.
The main points of modular construction of each subsystem
(1) Power distribution module The power distribution module is the fundamental support for the operation of the data center. The power supply requirements of a large data center are usually dual utility or one utility plus standby generator, and an uninterruptible power supply system is configured. In general, the power supply system can be divided into busbar access, distribution cabinet, UPS, battery and diesel generator, etc. The intelligent precision distribution cabinet with integrated ATS, integrated UPS and high-density lithium battery can effectively improve the power density. In addition, the diesel-fired module can be centrally located on the ground floor due to its volume, operating characteristics and standby characteristics, while the battery module should be centrally located or placed close to the IT equipment, depending on the demand. In this mode, the modular unit arrangement will greatly reduce the complexity of cable routing.
(2) HVAC module The HVAC system can generally be divided into several types, such as air-cooled, water-cooled, and mixed cooling sources, involving multiple components such as cooling stations, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and distribution switchgear, etc. This system is not only an important auxiliary system to maintain the smooth operation of production equipment, but also a key area for improving PDUs. The modular HVAC system is mainly composed of air conditioning module, fresh air module and exhaust module, which can significantly reduce the construction difficulty by transforming the complicated duct laying construction into on-site splicing. At the same time, the micro-modules can be embedded in column air conditioners or base air conditioners to optimize ventilation paths and provide real-time feedback of temperature and humidity data through the addition of multi-point sensors, thus achieving autonomous and flexible adjustment and avoiding wasted power. In addition, the component modules can also be arranged in a redundant manner to further enhance the reliability of the cooling system.
(3) Monitoring module The monitoring module is the key to realize intelligent and comprehensive management of the modular data center. From the detection sensors embedded in each functional module to the campus-level video monitoring, the module combines equipment hardware monitoring and software system testing, and the results can be fed back to the ECC monitoring platform in a unified manner, finally forming a set of classification monitoring system throughout the subtle local and top-level design to truly achieve comprehensive recording. At the same time, the monitoring channel adopts a loop architecture to avoid the impact of single point failure on monitoring, which not only can quickly detect the changes of process, status, and safety quantities, but also the management system can analyze and process the statistical data, and once an abnormality occurs, it can be quickly located to the specific module and alert the operation and maintenance personnel by SMS, phone, and network. In addition, the data center model view of the monitoring platform interface is built in a modular way, which can flexibly pull out and display the 3D view of each module with detailed data situation, making the monitoring work more intuitive and concise.
(4) Fire Protection Module The fire protection module is mainly composed of fire extinguishing controller, emergency gas start and stop buttons, gas release indicator, and access control, which can be activated automatically and timely when the monitoring system detects high temperature. At the same time, the structure of the modular data center also has good disaster isolation function, which can effectively avoid the spread of risk and control and eliminate the disaster in case of fire or flood with the good isolation characteristics of the shell material. 3.
Analysis of the advantages of prefabricated modular data center
Compared with traditional data centers, the advantages of modular data centers are mainly reflected in two stages: first, in the initial construction stage, and second, in the later operation and maintenance stage. The comparison between prefabricated modular data center and traditional data center construction is shown in Table 1, and the comparison between prefabricated modular data center and traditional data center operation and maintenance performance is shown in Table 2.
In addition, modular data centers also support the adoption of more scientific and technical means to maintain efficient operation. For example, with the increasing degree of IoT, the future modular data center can, on the one hand, improve the level of equipment detection into the network, further enhance the ability to predict and locate fault alarms, and reduce the alarm storm and fault investigation time; on the other hand, through scientific categorization and statistics of detection data, AI analysis can be used instead of manual analysis to scientifically calculate the optimal cooling state, and ultimately effectively reduce the temperature control system energy consumption. On the other hand, by using AI analysis instead of manual analysis, we can scientifically calculate the optimal cooling state and finally reduce the energy consumption of temperature control system effectively.
II. Modular Data Center Design Concept
1. Key Considerations
From the perspective of data center construction, the design and decision in the early stage will profoundly affect the selection of operation and maintenance methods and staff arrangement in the later stage. Therefore, the relevant factors that need to be considered in the early stage of the program include operation demand, cost, energy supply and cooling environment, supporting industrial environment, policy guidelines and standard regulations, etc., and then further develop the design form, layout and other detailed programs. Specifically, one is the operational demand, which mainly refers to the scale and importance of the capacity of the data center, as well as the operational efficiency of each functional module. From the overall perspective of the industry, security and stability are the basic operational requirements of a data center, and also include the green operation concept that is being strongly advocated at present. The second is cost, which mainly includes capital cost, time cost, human cost and site cost, among which capital cost includes initial construction cost and later maintenance cost, while the perfect configuration of professional talents is the key to ensure the smooth completion and stable operation of the data center. The third is the energy supply and cooling environment, which mainly refers to the coordination relationship between the energy supply and cooling system and the geographic location of the data center, the natural conditions and the nearby energy companies. This factor will also profoundly affect the location of the data center, and detailed investigation and comparison of manufacturers with the ability to undertake the project should be conducted before the bidding process. The policy guidelines mainly refer to a series of national macro guidelines on energy saving and emission reduction, independent innovation, etc. Before the design and construction of data center, we need to deeply study the national strategic guidelines and grasp the trend direction. Sixth, the standard regulations, which mainly refer to the index requirements for specific construction, including the general specifications of data center rooms that have been issued for modular data centers.
2. Core Construction Ideas
Before adopting a modular prefabricated solution, the data center should first determine the data center-related indicators based on business requirements, clarify the above considerations, and use them to determine the site and coordinate with the appropriate manufacturers, and finally develop a feasible construction plan. It is also important to determine the degree of modularity in advance, to plan top-down from the campus level, and to reserve sites for possible future expansion needs. During the construction phase, modular data centers are generally built in parallel with on-site construction and factory prefabrication. Therefore, module requirements should be determined in advance, and the corresponding parameters of the modules should be calculated in consideration of cost and other factors, and professional manufacturers should be coordinated to carry out assembly line production as early as possible. In addition, during the on-site construction process, it is necessary to consider transportation, lifting and installation issues as well as the selection of intelligent management systems for the modular assembly, with particular attention to the principles of safety, stability and convenience. The construction process of modular data center is shown in Figure 2.
3. Direction of subsequent optimization
From a macro perspective, the future data center still needs to be improved in the following aspects: first, in the field of security, mainly including security and system security, where security includes human defense, physical defense and fire prevention, and system security includes hardware system security and software system security. For example, hardware system security means that the data center building must be strong enough to withstand certain natural and man-made impacts, including typhoons, earthquakes, rainstorms, fires, and explosions. Software system security refers to the ability to effectively investigate vulnerabilities, resist network attacks, and avoid damage to system operation from malfunctions and errors. Secondly, in terms of stability, stability means that the data center must ensure stable operation, that is, on the basis of ensuring security, the data center should make good backup of resources, investigate and repair hidden dangers, and formulate a complete emergency plan to strengthen emergency management. For example, the data center should be able to mobilize resources and technical personnel scientifically and efficiently to deal with emergencies, and actively summarize and further explore and improve the operation and maintenance capability after the emergency disposal is completed. Third, in terms of green energy saving, it mainly refers to the adoption of new energy generation and reduction of water and electricity losses, such as scientific planning of water and electricity consumption and improvement of energy structure, as well as the adoption of new technologies for operation.
Future Data Center Outlook
1. Customer-oriented and convenient customization
In line with the development needs of the digital economy, data centers will become more diversified and personalized, and will span a wide range of scales. With more prefabricated modular products and higher quality, the production and installation lines of the modules will also be more mature, which will ultimately shorten the construction cycle of data centers significantly.
2. Strict Standards, Flexible Scaling
With the gradual enrichment of data center unit modules, the design and production standards will be more uniform in order to realize the good interface between different manufacturers' modules at the customer's site, and support the combination of modular units with modular units and modular units with functional components through interfaces. At the same time, the unification of standards will also make financial institutions more flexible in the formation of server rooms and better able to take advantage of the strengths of others according to their specific needs. In addition, if the modular units in early production need to be scaled down or upgraded due to system architecture adjustment or technology upgrade, the modular data center solution can also be flexibly disassembled and reassembled to avoid significant losses and waste caused by the accumulation of heavy load.
Strengthen analysis and intelligent management
It is an important feature of future data centers to strengthen the analysis and processing capability of statistical reports in various aspects, which is not only reflected in more scientific and comprehensive data statistics, but also includes the ability to conduct model analysis and learning summaries, so as to achieve optimal operation and maintenance, automatic adjustment, and significantly reduce the degree of human intervention. 4.
Adaptable and Customized
The use of natural environment for data center energy saving and power generation is a common form of data center green development, but such data rooms usually need to adapt to special climatic environment, and their operation and maintenance work is also very special. Therefore, the development of special forms of data room units will be one of the mainstream trends in the future development of the industry.
As mentioned above, the construction of modular data centers is still in the development stage, and there are still relatively few specialized services available in the society, and most of the existing cases are created by Internet technology companies for their own applications, and many relevant technologies are still in the experimental stage. In the future, under the guidance and promotion of the digital economy, the modular data center, which is suitable for integrating new technologies and concepts, will continue to enrich its connotation and generate new industry definitions and standards, and even form a new standardized template open to the whole society, and become a widespread choice.
Article from China Financial Computer